While the 2026 NFL Draft is still far off in the distance, players that will be drafted early are on the field now. Each week presents unique matchups for draft prospects and this week is no different. Here are NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football week 1.
Texas made the CFP semifinals the last two seasons and look like they are on the cusp of going further in the postseason. Arch Manning has played a little during his two years at Texas, but now he takes over the starting job. Last season, he passed for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions on 67.8 percent completion.
This week, Manning will have a tough test against an Ohio State defense that should be one of the best in the country, even after losing a lot to the NFL. He has shown good mobility and arm strength during his limited time in college. It will be interesting to see how he fares against pressure, as he threw one interception last season with pressure coming. Although his grandpa said he may not enter the draft, Arch has kept his options open and could be the first overall pick if things play out right.
Ohio State won the national championship last season and return some key players from that team. Downs is one of the best players in the country and a big part of last year’s team. He had 82 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, two interceptions and six passes defended in 2024.
In week 1, Ohio State will match up with Texas, one of the other best teams in the country. Downs will have a lot of responsibility going up against Manning and a lot of talented Texas pass-catchers. There aren’t many weaknesses in Downs’s game, but he does take some gambles. He’s a great athlete with a high IQ and good ball skills. He is a projected top 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and can have a huge impact on this game.
Clemson made the CFP last season after winning the ACC. They were able to play great football in large part due to the emergence of quarterback Cade Klubnik, who showed great improvement. In 2024, he passed for 3,669 yards, 36 touchdowns and six interceptions on 63.4 percent completion. He also rushed for 463 yards and seven scores.
Klubnik and Clemson will be taking on LSU in the season opener. LSU’s defense improved last season and is expected to take another leap this season. Clemson likely won’t have a tougher test this season. Klubnik can make plays with his arm and his legs. He has solid accuracy, but has just average arm strength and can show more composure against pressure. A big game for Klubnik can help him be a top 10 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
LSU wasn’t able to make the CFP last season, but there is hope that they can improve and do so this year. They return Garrett Nussmeier at quarterback and plenty of talent around him. Last season, he passed for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions on 64.2 percent completion.
Nussmeier will have his work cut out for him against Clemson, which has a very talented defense, specifically up front. He plays the position with a gunslinger mentality and could get rid of the ball at times instead of putting it in danger. While he is a limited athlete, he has great accuracy and can go through progressions well. He will be put to the test in this game, but can help solidify his stock as a potential top 10 pick.
Miami missed out on the CFP last season, with their defense had a lot to be desired. Bain was injured last season, hurting Miami’s chances. He played in nine games, registering 23 total tackles, six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Even though he played in nine games, he will be hoping for a healthier season.
Bain will be matched up with a quality offensive line and team in Notre Dame, giving him a chance to prove himself. He has a filled out frame and shows great strength for the position. While he isn’t as tall as a prototypical edge rusher, he is a good athlete with good pass rush moves. If he can help set the edge against the run, specifically in this game, but overall, he can improve his stock. Bain is a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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